198 B. Bandyopadhyaya — Hamir Rasa, [No. 3, 



" of the danger I would expose myself to by giving yon refuge, and thereby 

 provoke my anger. I have spoken my mind, and do you think I can retract 

 the words which I have once said ? The descendants of the Chohans are 

 never false to their promise. My firmness in acting up to what I have 

 determined to do can never be shaken by the love of life and self-interest. 

 Be patient, Sheik, and live here without fear. The mountains may move, 

 and the polar star leave its fixed place, yet be sure, Muhammad Shah, the 

 honour of my resolution can never be violated It stands in unfaded glory 

 for evermore." 



The following presents were made to Muhammad Shah ; a bow, golden 

 ornaments, a necklace of pearls, a turban set with diamonds, and a 

 shawl. A jagMr worth five lacs of rupees was also given him. A 

 noble palace was appointed for his residence. The Council broke up with 

 great joy and excitement. Muhammad Shah went to his new mansion, riding 

 on a horse. His heart became easy at the sight of various comforts which 

 were stored there for him. Then the Bao gave a grand feast to him and 

 his companions. 



The imperial herald, who had followed the Sheik to the fort, addressed 



himself to Hamir — " Do not give shelter to Muhammad Shah, great 



Bao, because by doing so you will incur the displeasure of the most 



powerful emperor in the world. The mighty Ala-uddin is an inspired 



warrior. If the weak match with the strong, be sure, prince, they will 



come off the losers. Listen to my words, attend to my advice. You are a 



descendant of a family which has played an important part in the history of 



your country. Why leave an ocean big with invaluable pearls and rubies for 



a worthless tank full of mud and weeds ? "What qualities has this Sheik ? 



See, he has left all his possessions for the vile enjoyment of a female. I 



know that you are familiar with all princely principles ; one of them is, 



' Let a man die, if his death alone can ensure the safety of a family ; forsake 



a house, if its destruction can save a village ; let a city go to destruction, 



if by leaving it you can preserve the welfare of a country.' Why do you 



push all souls to death for the safety of one, and that one an ungrateful 



wretch, having neither reason nor conscience. Your refugee is the vilest of 



all creatures. He had not even the slightest scruple to defile the bed of his 



master. Think, before it is too late. The anger of Ala-uddin is like a 



red flame of fire which burns all that come in contact with it. His power 



destroys all who have the rashness to incur his displeasure. See, even the 



gods have fled away, leaving their temples. On the other hand, if you do 



not give refuge to the Sheik, your friendship with the emperor will become 



stronger and stronger every day. Why drop poison in a pot full of nectar? 



You will have to pay very dearly for your folly. Consider, therefore, now 



